Shatterzone of Empires: Coexistence and Violence in the German, Habsburg, Russian, and Ottoman Borderlands (Encounters: Explorations in Folklore and Ethnomusicology)

The editor groups the various papers into five parts. I found the first three the most helpful as they throw light on what central/middle Europe is and what it is. (There is no precise answer.) They also illustrate the sources of conflict that trouble this region up until this day . I interrupted reading of the book just before the present Ukraine/Russia war commenced and and picked up again after the first month. The 4th part, coincidentally, includes some historical insight the the Russia-Ukraine relationship.An important distinction is that while North Americans may regard "assimilation" as a positive concept, in the border lands between the four empires (German, Russian, Hapsburg and Ottoman), assimilation was a threat. A further distinction, though not mentioned any any of the papers, is that although the Enlightenment may have penetrated eastward across the Rhine to some degree it ended at the Oder. Both of these make comprehending middle Europe so difficult for some of us. This book helps a great deal in mitigating that difficulty.

If you are into European history, then read this. It provides a better understanding of the regions that are within a nation of country.

I'd always been very confused about the history and role of the eastern European countries. Their history is very, very, complex. Their existences were, and still are very dynamic. This work helps the reader understand some of the causes of WW1, WWII, Soviet aggression in the 20th century, the role antisemitism has played in the region, and the actions committed by all the players in the region towards the Jews. The history of this region is even reflected in today's conflict in the Ukraine.

I AM VERY INTERESTED IN WW1 IT BY FAR MET ALL MY EXPECTATIONS AND MORE WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANY MILITARY HISTORY BUFF

Fine product and quick delivery

I wanted a broad survey of the complex history and politics of an area of which my knowledge is sadly deficient. This is a series of specialized essays/papers which, while apparently very well done in themselves, focus on far more datail than I need or want.

This collection of scholarly essays is of necessity, given the locale and topics, quite bleak. But it is an excellent introduction to the era and area. I recommend it.

While one can despair of the violence documented in this collection of essays, the information and analysis are invaluable toward understanding current events.

Not a book to 'read', a book to study.